Light Distribution: Choosing Guidance For Outdoor Lighting • Lightide

Next, define your lighting objectives. Are you aiming for general illumination or specific task lighting? Different light distributions cater to various purposes. For uniform brightness throughout the area, choose a wide-angle distribution. For targeted lighting, opt for narrower beam angles.

Please see the beam spread and the products in detail.

Landscape lighting is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and make it safer and more inviting for your family and guests. The national average landscape lighting cost is $3,500, with a typical range between $2,100 and $4,900. This estimate includes the cost of materials, installation, and labor.

The total cost will depend on the type and number of lights you choose and any special features or customization you may want. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 per installed light fixture, depending on your selected style, quality, and features.

For a large or elaborate landscape lighting system, you could end up paying $7,000 or more. However, many homeowners can achieve their desired look for less than $500 by being selective about the types of lights they choose and working with a qualified landscape lighting contractor.

In this article:

Average landscape lighting costs in 2024

National average cost$3,500Typical price range$2,100 – $4,900Extreme low-end cost$500Extreme high-end cost$7,000

With so many choices available on the market, the cost of landscape lighting can vary widely. You can find simple solar-powered lights for as little as $50 each, while high-end LED lights can cost $300 or more per light. The average cost of landscape lighting is somewhere in the middle, at around $100 to $200 per light.

This price includes the cost of materials, installation, and labor. It does not include the cost of electricity, which will be an additional cost depending on the type of lighting you choose.

The average cost of having lights installed professionally is $3,500, including materials, with most homeowners spending between $2,100 and $4,900.

The factors that will affect the cost of your landscape lighting include the following:

• The type of lights you choose: solar, traditional, or led bulbs
• The number of lights you need
• The size and variety of fixtures
• The complexity of the installation
• Any special features or customization you require

Small, simple projects using solar or traditional lights can be as low as $500, while more complex lighting projects that use high-quality types of fixtures, including LED lights, can cost upwards of $7,000 in total.

If you use higher-quality materials or need a more complex installation, you can expect to pay more for your project. However, the investment will be worth it in the long run as higher-quality lights will last longer and require less maintenance.

Landscape lighting cost by number of fixtures

The price of landscape lighting will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. A simple design with just a few lights will cost less than an elaborate design with many light fixtures.

Depending on the size of your yard and the number of lights you need, the cost of landscape lighting can range from $100 to $200 per installed fixture. So, if you need ten fixtures, the cost would be around $1,000 to $2,000 in total.

Here are some rough estimates of what you can expect to pay for landscape lighting based on the size of your project:

Number of fixturesAverage cost10 – 20 light fixtures$1,000 – $2,00020 – 40 light fixtures $2,000 – $5,00040+ light fixtures$5,000 – $7,000+

Remember, these are just estimates. Your project’s final cost will depend on the number and type of fixtures you choose, as well as the complexity of the design. For a more accurate estimate, consult a landscape lighting professional in your area.

Other factors that affect cost

Outdoor landscape lighting can be a significant investment. The type of fixtures, wiring, and transformers needed can add up quickly. In addition, you’ll need an electrician to do the installation for you. It is not recommended that you try to install electrical wiring yourself, as it can be very dangerous.

Here are some of the specific factors that can impact the cost of your project. 

Type of light fixture

Pricing for landscape lighting fixtures ranges from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars each. The average cost is around $100 to $200 per installed light, depending on the type of light you choose and the manufacturer.

For a party or event, you may want to consider string lights. These are typically less expensive than other fixtures and can be hung from trees or other structures. The downside is that they are not as durable and may need to be replaced more often. You can expect to pay between $80 and $300 for a set of installed string lights.

Outdoor floodlights are a good choice for lighting up a large area. Though they are pricier than string lights, they also last longer. These can be mounted on the side of a house or poles and typically cost between $70 to $230 each.

 In the following table are some other popular types of landscape lighting fixtures and their average costs:

Light typeAverage costPathway lights$50 – $150String lights$80 – $300Low-voltage lighting$100 – $150Outdoor wall light$50 – $250Floodlight$70 – $230Uplights$100 – $400Downlights$100 – $350In-ground landscape lights$85 – $250Bollarad light$250 – $900Outdoor Security Light$250 – $450Lamp post$400 – $1,000

Power source

The cost of landscape lighting will also be affected by the type of power source you choose. There are three main types of power sources for landscape lighting:

• Solar-powered lights use energy from the sun to power their batteries, which in turn power the light. These lights are ideal for gardens or other areas where it is difficult to run an electrical wire. They are also free to operate, as they won’t require battery replacements or add to your electric bill. Solar lights can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per light.

• Hardwired lights are connected to your home’s electrical system. These lights are more reliable than solar lights but require an electrician to install them. Hardwired lights cost between $100 and $200 per light, including installation.

• Battery-operated lights use batteries to power the light. These are the most versatile type of landscape light, as they can be placed anywhere without needing an electrical outlet or access to direct sunlight. Battery-operated lights typically cost between $50 and $150 per light.

Power sourceAverage costSolar-powered$50 – $200 per lightHardwired$100 – $200 per lightBattery-operated$50 – $150 per light

Area of installation

Whether you have a pathway or a large front yard, the cost of landscape lighting will be affected by the size of the area you need to light. 

Pathway lighting

A standard-size residential walkway will need around 8 to 10 path lights. Each light will cost between $50 and $150, for a total cost of $400 to $1,500, including installation.

​​If you’re looking to add some pathway lighting but are on a budget, solar or battery-operated lights on stakes can be a good option. These tend to be less expensive than other types of fixtures, although they will need to be replaced more often. Nonetheless, they are an excellent low-budget landscape idea.

Outdoor structure lighting

If you need to light a gazebo or pergola, you may need 20 or more lights. Typically for these outdoor structures, you’ll want to use string lights. You will probably need to purchase two sets of string lights, which will cost you a total of $160 to $600, depending on the type of bulb and the length of the light strand.

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Deck lights

There are many different types of deck lights available, from string lights to in-ground lights. If you choose in-ground lights, you will need to purchase about ten fixtures and have them installed by an electrician. In-ground fixtures’ cost runs between $85 and $250 each, which means your total cost for this project will be between $850 and $2,500, including labor.

Pool lighting

For a small pool of around 15 by 30 feet, you may need one or two in-ground lights, costing $200 to $500 per fixture. So, the total cost of lighting a small pool can range from $400 to $1,000 in total.

Low-voltage landscape lighting

Low-voltage lighting is a great way to add light to your yard without worrying about high electricity bills. These systems use a transformer to convert the 120-volt current from your home’s electrical system into 12 volts.  

They are ideal for small areas, such as walkways or gardens, and can cost between $100 and $150 per light, including materials and professional installation.

Type of light bulb 

The type of bulb you choose for your landscape lighting will also affect the cost of your outdoor lighting project.

There are three main types of bulbs used in landscape lighting:

• Incandescent bulbs are the most common type of light bulb. They produce a warm, yellow light and are very inexpensive. The main drawback to incandescent bulbs is that they use a lot of energy and need to be replaced frequently. The average cost of an incandescent bulb is $0.75 to $6.00 each.

• Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs but produce a brighter, whiter light. They also use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer. The average cost of a halogen bulb is $2 to $5 each.

• LED bulbs are the most efficient type of light bulb, as they use very little energy and last a long time. However, they can be more expensive than other types of bulbs. You can expect to pay $2 to $8 per LED bulb.

Type of bulbAverage costIncandescent$0.75 – $6.00Halogen$2 – $5LED$2 – $8

Labor cost

Only professional electricians should attempt electrical work, like wiring or installing new outlets. An electrician’s labor costs $45 to $100 per hour.

A small project, such as installing path lights, may only take an hour or two. A larger project, like installing a new outdoor lighting system, may take up to six hours. That means the labor cost for a small project can range from $90 to $200, while the price for a larger project can range from $270 to $600.

Related services

To install landscape lighting, you may need other services, such as wiring or electrical work. These services will add to the overall cost of your project.

Lighting design

If you need help designing your landscape lighting system, you may need to hire a designer. The cost of hiring a designer ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

A designer can help you with the following aspects:

• Determining the best type of light fixtures for your space
• Creating a plan for where to place them 
• Selecting the best type of bulbs
• Creating a lighting schedule

Wiring

A typical part of installation for landscape lighting is digging trenches or holes to place the wires underground. Installing electrical wires costs from $3 to $5 per square foot, including labor and materials.

Digging trenches or holes

Digging trenches or holes for landscape lighting is often necessary to place the wires underground. The average cost to dig a trench is between $5 and $13 per linear foot.

Remember that you might need a permit to dig a trench for your electrical conduit, so check with your local authorities first.

Outdoor outlet installation

You will need at least one outdoor outlet for your landscape lighting system. The cost of installing an outdoor outlet ranges from $250 to $400, including labor and materials.

The outlet you will need depends on the type of system you are installing. Most systems will require a GFCI outlet, which is a specialized type of outlet that helps to prevent fires.

Pro cost vs. DIY cost

Hiring a professional for your landscape lighting needs is best if you’re not comfortable with electrical work. However, solar and battery-operated lights are an easy, DIY-friendly option that doesn’t require any wiring. These lights are typically less expensive than other types of landscape lighting, but they may not provide as much light.

The average cost of solar or battery-operated landscape lighting runs between $50 to $150, but you can find some lights for as little as $10 per fixture. 

So, for a basic system of 10 lights, you’re looking at a total cost of $100 to $1,500. The best part about these lights is that they’re easy to install. You can simply stick them in the ground, switch them on, and they’ll start working immediately.

DIY project cost for 10 light fixtures$100 – $1,500 (only materials)Pro project cost for 10 light fixtures$1,000 – $2,000 (materials and labor)

As you can see, there is a significant difference in cost between DIY and professional landscape lighting options. If you’re willing to go the DIY route, solar and battery-operated lights are an easy and relatively inexpensive option.

Cost by location

Keep in mind that the national average landscape lighting cost typically falls between $2,100 and $4,900 in total. However, depending on various factors, such as the size and location of your project, your final bill may be quite different.

For example, you can expect to pay more for your project if you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as New York City. On the other hand, if you live in a rural area, you may get by with a less expensive project.

FAQ

1) Can I install landscape lighting myself?

If your system is solar or battery-operated, you may be able to install it yourself. However, if your system requires wiring, it’s best to hire an electrician.

2) How much does it cost to replace an old landscape lighting fixture?

It depends on the type of fixture you need to replace. A simple replacement might cost $50, while a more complex one could cost up to $110 without professional installation. An electrician will charge $45 to $100 per hour for installation services.

3) How many lights do I need for my landscape lighting project?

It will depend on the size and layout of your space. A general rule of thumb is to use one light for every six to eight feet of space.

4) How much electricity does landscape lighting consume?

The light bulbs you use will affect how much electricity your landscape lighting system consumes. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient, while incandescent bulbs are the least efficient.

5) Is landscape lighting worth the investment?

Landscape lighting can increase the value of your home by 10 to 20 percent. It can also make your outdoor space more enjoyable and increase your sense of safety.

Final thoughts

Overall, the cost of landscape lighting can range from $2,100 to $4,900 in total. This estimate includes the cost of fixtures, wiring, installation, and more. The final price will depend on the size and complexity of your project, as well as where you live. If you are thinking about installing landscape lighting, consult with a local professional to get an accurate estimate.

Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Photo By: Nikolai Karaneschev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Luminita Toma

Luminita Toma is a nature-loving writer who simply adores pretty flowers and lawns. After plenty of research and writing on lawn care and gardening, she's got a keen eye for plants and their maintenance. When she's got some spare time, there's nothing she enjoys more than chilling with her friends, hitting the theatre, or traveling. Posts by Luminita Toma

Luminita Toma is a nature-loving writer who simply adores pretty flowers and lawns. After plenty of research and writing on lawn care and gardening, she's got a keen eye for plants and their maintenance. When she's got some spare time, there's nothing she enjoys more than chilling with her friends, hitting the theatre, or traveling.